Drugs & Vitamins

Famciclovir Active Ingredients: Famciclovir Representative Names: Famvir Available Product Images: What are famciclovir tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with famciclovir? What side effects may I notice from taking famciclovir? What should I watch for while taking famciclovir? Where can I keep my medicine? What are famciclovir tablets? (Back to top) FAMCICLOVIR (Famvir®) is an antiviral agent. Famciclovir relieves the symptoms of herpes zoster infection (shingles) or genital herpes infection. Famciclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes; it will help the blisters heal faster and reduce the duration of pain and discomfort. Famciclovir is also used to reduce the number of episodes of genital herpes infection. Generic famciclovir tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •kidney disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to famciclovir, acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take famciclovir tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the tablets with a full glass of water. Famciclovir may be taken with food or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with famciclovir? (Back to top) •probenecid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking famciclovir? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion •skin rash, itching , hives Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •dizziness •headache •tiredness •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking famciclovir? (Back to top) If famciclovir is used to treat (rather than prevent) an infection, it should be taken when you first notice symptoms of infection, such as tingling, itching, or pain in the affected area. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of starting famciclovir. Drink several glasses of water a day while taking this medicine. Keep affected area of blisters as clean and dry as possible. Wear loose-fitting clothing, and do not cover the area with an occlusive (plastic or waterproof) dressing. Famciclovir does not prevent the spread of genital herpes infection to others. Genital herpes is transmitted by sexual contact. You should avoid sex when lesions are present to avoid infecting your partner. Genital herpes can also be spread when symptoms are not present. Therefore, latex condoms should be used at all times during sexual intercourse. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:03/07/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.